Seattle (SEA) to Minneapolis (MSP) is about 1,390 miles and typically takes 3 h 20 min by air. Some carriers have hubs at both ends, which makes frequent nonstops more likely. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
SEA to MSP at a glance
| Route | Seattle (SEA) to Minneapolis (MSP) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 1,390 miles / 2,240 km |
| Typical flight time | 3 h 20 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | 2 hours ahead |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines |
About the Seattle to Minneapolis route
Seattle to Minneapolis covers about 1,390 miles, a mid-length domestic trip that most airlines can serve nonstop or with one easy connection.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 3 h 20 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 3 h to 3 h 45 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 1,390 miles (2,240 km), not a published schedule.
Minneapolis is 2 hours ahead of Seattle on standard time, so the arrival time on your ticket will look different from the flight duration.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, SEA to MSP is longer than about 49% of them.
For comparison, Seattle to Anchorage (SEA to ANC) is about 1,450 miles, so Minneapolis is a bit closer away from SEA.
The airports
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Sea-Tac is Alaska Airlines' home hub and a growing Delta gateway to Asia, which makes it a useful connecting point for Alaska, Hawaii and Pacific routes. Full SEA guide.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
Minneapolis-Saint Paul is a Delta hub and the main gateway for the Upper Midwest. Full MSP guide.
Other airports are worth a look: around Seattle, Portland (PDX). Comparing them can change the price or the travel time to your final destination.
Airlines on this route
Delta Air Lines has a hub at both ends, so it is the most likely to offer frequent nonstop service and easy rebooking on this route.
Alaska Airlines also has a major presence at one of the two airports.
Schedules change by season, and a nonstop that exists in summer may not operate in winter. Confirm the current options before you plan around a specific flight.
Common connection points
A one-stop trip would most naturally connect through a hub such as Delta Air Lines via Salt Lake City (SLC), which adds about 280 miles (20% beyond the direct distance) or Alaska Airlines via San Francisco (SFO), which adds about 870 miles (62% beyond the direct distance). Choose the connection with the best weather odds for your travel month and leave a comfortable layover; our layover guide explains how much time is realistic.
Best time to fly
For this trip, keep in mind that at MSP, winter is cold but typically well handled; summer is the busy season for lake trips. At SEA, july through September has the clearest weather and the heaviest demand, including cruise-season traffic to Alaska.
Ground transport
Getting to and from SEA
Link light rail runs from the terminal to downtown Seattle in roughly 40 minutes without road traffic.
Getting to and from MSP
The Blue Line light rail connects to downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America.
Booking tips
Business-heavy routes like SEA to MSP often have the most frequencies on weekday mornings and evenings. If you need flexibility, a standard fare that allows changes is often worth the difference. See Basic Economy vs Main Cabin.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Seattle to Minneapolis?
A typical SEA to MSP flight takes about 3 h 20 min, with a likely range of 3 h to 3 h 45 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is Minneapolis from Seattle by air?
The great-circle distance between SEA and MSP is about 1,390 miles (2,240 km).
Which airlines fly from Seattle to Minneapolis?
Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines have a major presence at SEA or MSP, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between Seattle and Minneapolis?
Minneapolis is 2 hours ahead of Seattle on standard time. Daylight saving time can change the gap for part of the year.
Are there other airports near Seattle?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include Portland (PDX). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book SEA to MSP?
Domestic fares are often competitive one to three months ahead, while international trips benefit from more lead time. Compare several dates, since fares are priced flight by flight.
Explore related routes
More flights involving Seattle (SEA)
- Atlanta to SeattleATL to SEA
- Austin to SeattleAUS to SEA
- Boston to SeattleBOS to SEA
- Detroit to SeattleDTW to SEA
- Dubai to SeattleDXB to SEA
- Houston to SeattleIAH to SEA
More flights involving Minneapolis (MSP)
- Atlanta to MinneapolisATL to MSP
- Boston to MinneapolisBOS to MSP
- Minneapolis to Los AngelesMSP to LAX
- Minneapolis to Salt Lake CityMSP to SLC
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.